XFX 9600 GT 512MB Review

Introduction:

The masses of people eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new 9xxx series video cards from Nvidia will wait no more. The first of the 9xxx Nvidia graphics cards has arrived. The x600 designation of the series would lead one to believe that the 9600GT is the successor to the 8600 series. Will its performance be the start of a new round of speculation about its upcoming big brothers? Only time will tell the tale. Features of the XFX 9600GT include 512mb of GDDR3 memory clocked at 900MHz (1.8GHz) and a core clock of 650 MHz on its G94 core. These clock speeds are similar to many an 8800GT on the market. A mid range card with big core clock and memory speeds makes one think. What if?

Closer Look:

The XFX 9600GT comes in a smallish box that does not look large enough to have a graphics card inside. The front side of the package has large 9 over the trademark green X in the XFX logo. The 9 is just a hint at what is inside and denotes that this package carries a 9 series Nvidia card. Highlights on the front include the core speed of the GPU as well as the SLi capability. The rear of the package makes the claim that the 9600 GT is a "New Breed " and shatters all records.

Pulling the outer sleeve off reveals the inner package. This inner package features a window through which you can see the 9600GT with the 9 graphic on the cooling solution. Opening the box shows that the card is indeed a full size card and is encased in a foam block and covered on top with foam as well.

Under the foam block that houses the XFX 9600GT is the documentation, driver disk, quick start guide, a door tag with the Alpha Dog imploring unwanted guest to leave you alone. Below the foam block you will find all of the cables and adapters that might be used with this card.

The cables and connectors that are part of the package include an S-video cable, S-video to component adapter, DVi to d-sub adapter and a dual 4 pin molex to 6 pin PCIe adapter.

Now that we have seen what is included in the package its time to get a little intimate with the XFX 9600GT.